NEW YORK (AP) — The tragic case of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was fatally shot Wednesday outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel, has escalated into a massive manhunt that reaches far beyond New York City. In a bid to encourage witnesses to come forward, the FBI has announced a staggering $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and successful conviction of the assailant, adding to a $10,000 reward previously offered by the NYPD.

Authorities have revealed that the suspect cleverly used a forged identity and paid in cash during his 10-day stay in the city. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny disclosed that the gunman deliberately covered his face the majority of the time, only briefly revealing it while checking into a hostel. Surveillance footage from the extensive network of cameras in Manhattan has been pivotal in piecing together the timeline of the suspect's movements.

Timeline of Events:

November 24

- **10:11 p.m.**: The suspect arrives in NYC via a Greyhound bus originating from Atlanta, making several stops along the way. Authorities have yet to ascertain his exact boarding location.

- The suspect then takes a taxi to the vicinity of the New York Hilton Midtown, staying there for approximately 30 minutes.

- **11 p.m.**: He checks in at the HI New York City Hostel at 891 Amsterdam Ave. using what police suspect is a fake ID. Notably, his two roommates never caught a glimpse of his face, as he kept his mask on during their stay. He notably smiled briefly for a surveillance camera while interacting with hostel staff.

November 29

- The suspect is checked out of the hostel. Police believe he did not stay elsewhere in between.

December 4

- **5:30 a.m.**: The suspect leaves the hostel before dawn.

- **5:41 a.m.**: He appears on video wandering around the Hilton where UnitedHealth Group is holding its annual conference, walking back and forth—a detail that leads police to suspect that he may have stolen a bicycle for swift access.

- He is subsequently seen purchasing a bottle of water and energy bars at a nearby Starbucks before returning to the hotel area.

- **6:44 a.m.**: He shoots Thompson as the CEO arrives from a nearby hotel. Immediately afterward, the suspect flees the scene.

- **6:48 a.m.**: He enters Central Park on a bicycle, where police believe he disposed of a gray backpack, effectively evading numerous surveillance cameras.

- The suspect continues to navigate through the park, captured on various cameras until **7:04 a.m.**, when he hails a taxi at 86th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.

- **7:30 a.m.**: His last known sighting is at the George Washington Bridge bus terminal, which provides routes to New Jersey and beyond.

In a chilling discovery following the shooting, investigators found inscriptions on the ammunition at the crime scene that read “deny,” “defend,” and “depose”—terms that echo a phrase utilized by critics of the insurance industry, raising questions about the shooter’s motivations.

December 6

- Police uncover evidence suggesting the shooter left New York City via a bus, although surveillance footage of his departure remains elusive. NYPD officials speculate a possible disgruntled employee or client could be the motive behind the targeted attack.

- Investigators confirmed the recovery of the suspect's backpack, details of which have not been publicly disclosed.

December 7

- The search intensifies, with scuba divers meticulously scouring Central Park's ponds. New photos of the suspect released by the NYPD depict him in a taxi wearing a blue medical mask, but despite these efforts, he remains unidentified.

December 8

- Scuba divers return to Central Park, but police maintain silence regarding the ongoing investigation.

Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in resolving this high-profile case. The tragic killing of a respected executive continues to send shockwaves through the community, raising vital discussions about security and the safety of public figures.